Beams on Elastic Foundations - Solution by Relaxation Methods

Mr. BULLEN exhibited a scale model of the building described in the paper, and demonstrated the features discussed therein. He commented that the great advantage of such meetings was that the views of other members of the profession could be obtained. Being an art as well as a science, structural engineering was often capable of more than one solution and consequently designers could benefit by the comments of their colleagues.

The ordinary theory of flexure in beams, based on the "straight line" theory of strain and stress distribution, is a particular case of the general theory, when the depth to span ratio is small. Design problems frequently arise, however, when this ratio is comparable to or greater than unity. To apply the "straight line" theory of flexure to such cases will lead to erroneous and often unsafe results. This paper sets out the main features of the design methods for beams in which the depth to span ratio is not small-henceforth to be designated "Girder Walls"-based in part on work already published 1 2 3, and in part on research work done by the writer. H.L.B. Uhlmann

The essence of this method is contained in a consideration of the equilibrium of a beam, loaded at its centre with a point load “P," and supported elastically along its length in such a way that the degree of support is directly proportionate to the depression of the supporting medium. Ronald Noble